Children’s Pediatric Therapy Services & Autism Evaluations in Joliet, IL

742 Essington Rd,
Joliet, IL 60435

   779-260-5658
   joliet@westsidect.com
   815-373-0099

8 AM-7 PM Mon-Fri

Early Answers & Real Support for Children Ages 5 & Under

One of Westside’s original clinics, Joliet has spent years building something rare — a team families genuinely trust that delivers ABA therapy, speech, OT, PT, feeding therapy, and counseling under one roof for children across a wide range of developmental needs.

For families with early concerns, no-cost autism evaluations deliver answers in days. Get a fast, clear starting point when time matters most.

Answers, Faster • Built for the Early Years • All Care, One Place • Unified Team

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When Should You Consider an Autism Evaluation?

Early identification is important, especially for kids under age 5. Potential signs of autism or another developmental difference include:

Delayed speech or limited vocabulary
Repetitive behaviors (e.g., lining up toys, repeating words/phrases, etc.)
Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging with others
Strong reliance on routines or becoming upset with small changes
Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or lights

If you’re considering an autism evaluation in Joliet, our team is here to support you. We offer virtual diagnostic testing so you can get answers sooner, and from the comfort of home.

Therapies Offered at Westside’s Joliet Clinic

From ABA services in Joliet to speech therapy, physical therapy, and family counseling, our clinic offers comprehensive solutions that local families trust. Led by board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), registered behavior therapists (RBTs), and expert clinical staff, our Joliet clinic ensures that you find reliable therapy right where you are.

Our SAIL program offers fast, no-cost virtual autism evaluations with results in just a few days. We help families understand what the results mean and guide them toward the right next steps — whether that’s therapy at Westside or support elsewhere in the community.

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Westside Children’s Therapy offers holistic ABA therapy for children in Juliet, designed to help them reduce challenging behaviors, develop social skills, and live more joyfully. We work with parents to ensure continued development at home while delivering evidence-based, tailored therapy programs in our sensory-friendly atmosphere, where your child can grow freely.

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Everyone struggles with expressing themselves at one point or another. That’s why, in addition to ABA therapy in Joliet, IL, we also provide counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults (including caregivers and family members). Our skilled therapists create a structured setting where you and your child can explore emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and learn to communicate more positively.

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Our expert therapists also ensure that mealtime no longer feels like a hassle. By combining sensory, motor, posture, oral, behavioral, and nutritional factors, our feeding therapy services help parents and caregivers better manage children with feeding concerns. For seamless therapy, our feeding rooms replicate common eating areas, and we even provide neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for swallowing disorders.

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Becoming self-dependent is key to living a fulfilling life, and at our Joliet clinic, that’s what we want for every child who walks through our doors. Hence, our services include personalized occupational therapy plans that cover everything from in-depth evaluations to real-time progress tracking, addressing concerns such as attention deficits and delays in fine motor skill development.

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If your child is struggling with motor development, Westside Children’s Therapy offers expert-led, one-on-one physical therapy sessions that can help accelerate mobility or regain movement after injuries. Our therapists specialize in cerebral palsy, growth-related pains, muscular dystrophy, and other physical challenges.

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Our Joliet clinic also provides speech therapy plans delivered by seasoned speech pathologists who tailor them to your child’s articulation, social skills, stuttering (dysfluency), and expressive and receptive language skills. We conduct each session in a warm, sensory-friendly setting where learning feels fun.

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4.8

Based on 51 reviews

review us on

Mary Vlahos

1 year ago

My son has been going since November 2024. This place has been nothing but amazing. My son absolutely loves going. He would rather go to Westside, than school. Everyone we have worked with and encountered has been wonderful. We have been so grateful for their help and support, and suggestions and willing to work with us to help my son. They have been open about any changes or adjustments they have to make to his plan and care, and it all has been for his benefit. He has already made so many great strides in such a short time. My husband and I love how much our son loves it and has enjoyed going, and all the progress we have already seen.

D R

2 years ago

We informed the person in charge of this establishment, but no action was taken. As parents, we have a responsibility to ensure our children are treated with the utmost care and respect. If a place cannot accommodate a child's specific needs while allowing parental supervision, then it is best to find an alternative. No child should be left unattended in a situation like this. It's disheartening that this establishment failed to protect the child's well-being. As a parent witnessing this firsthand, I feel compelled to share this review. Our children deserve better.

haley yeo

2 years ago

My daughter went in for a speech evaluation today, and I can’t even put into words how excited me and her are for her to start speech. The clinic is so nice, the staff is warm and welcoming, and best part I was told right there at the evaluation what they’re game plan was and what the wanted to start working on with her! No waiting to hear back about “what’s wrong” with my child, no waiting to hear back about scheduling a session. Scheduling her next 2 sessions were done right there and then before we left the clinic. My daughter was saying see you soon to her therapist on our way to the car after only meeting and interacting for an hour. She can’t wait to go back and I love that for her!

Mackenzie Reed

2 years ago

Giving 3 stars because the therapists are wonderful but be warned their billing department is trash.. and you will get outstanding balances out of no where for services you weren't aware hadn't been covered. Again therapist are wonderful, billing is trash.

Tatiana Y

3 years ago

MY SON HAS BEEN RECEIVING ABA FOR 2 YEARS AND HE HAS THRIVED SO MUCH. HE ALSO RECEIVES OT AND ST. He has made a huge 360. I am extremely greatful. He loves his school he started at 3.5 years of age with no words, aggressive, tantrums crying etc. Now he is able to communicate his wants and needs. Like any child that doesn't get his way he cries but they don't last long. I was definitely scared but I took that leap of faith and it's really GREAT!! I am going to be forever greatful to EVERYONE that has worked directly with him.

Amanda Dirienzo

4 years ago

My daughter absolutely loves her speech therapist, "my friend Jess". She wants to leave the house 2 hours early for our appointment and will cry when I tell her it's not time to leave yet. She's built such a trust and deep connection with her that she's willing to try and work hard with her - which is something the strong-willed independent kiddo won't do at home for us. So happy with our experience!

Julie Martin

5 years ago

Our twins were preemies. We have been with Westside since they exited early intervention services. They are nearing High School now! Our kids look forward to seeing and working with their therapists. They are like an extension of our family. Just as they have seen our kids grow, we too have watched Westside grow. And although Westside has grown quite a bit, they have not lost sight of their initial purpose . . . helping kids and supporting their families. We are so grateful for Westside and their services!

Flori Baci

5 years ago

Tyler & Naomi Gammie

5 years ago

The people here are amazing. Our children that go love who they see no complaints.

Travis Gordon

8 years ago

Very friendly staff, that do great work. However, the lobby area is small and can get congested during the appointment switch over times. Also the lobby area seriously needs some kind of sound dampening to bring the levels down. I have to sit in my car due to the loudness of the lobby.

Why Families Feel Confident Choosing Westside in Joliet

Choosing the right therapy provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Every parent deserves a team they can trust, a plan that makes sense, and progress they can actually see. Here's what keeps families choosing Westside:

Answers Through SAIL, Without the Wait: Our SAIL program offers fast, no-cost autism evaluations with results in days — so Joliet families can move from uncertainty to a clear plan without the typical delays.
ABA Rooted in the Whole Child: ABA therapy for children in Joliet at Westside goes beyond behavior — it's built around communication, independence, social connection, and daily life skills, with individualized plans that evolve as children grow.
Everything Under One Roof: ABA, speech, OT, PT, feeding therapy, and counseling are all available at the Joliet clinic, coordinated by a team that works together and communicates across every service a child receives.
A Team With Deep Community Roots: Westside Joliet has been part of the local community for years. Families here aren't just clients — they're known. That sense of belonging creates trust, and trust is what makes long-term progress possible.
Sensory-Friendly, Child-First Spaces: From sensory gyms to the Question of the Day and Prize Bins at the front desk, the Joliet clinic is designed to make children feel welcomed and at ease the moment they arrive.
Support That Extends to the Whole Family: Counseling at Westside Joliet is available for children, adolescents, and adult caregivers — because supporting a child well often means supporting the people around them too.

Empower Your Child’s Development in Joliet

Getting started with pediatric therapy should feel simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:

1. Contact our team
Reach us at 779-260-5658 or submit a contact form, and a team member will be in touch to schedule intake.

2. Intake call
We’ll discuss your child’s needs, verify insurance and answer any questions you may have.

3. Service matching
From there, we can recommend the right pediatric therapy services & create a custom plan for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How long does it take to get an autism evaluation in Joliet?

With our SAIL program, most families complete the full evaluation process in 2 to 3 days—compared to the months-long waits typical at many providers. The entire process is conducted virtually, so there’s no need to travel or take time off work for in-person appointments.
How much does an autism evaluation cost?

At Westside, autism diagnostic testing through our SAIL program is completely free. There’s no cost to the family and no obligation to continue with any services after testing is complete. We believe early answers shouldn’t come with a financial barrier.
What pediatric services are available at Westside’s Joliet clinic?

Westside Children’s Therapy offers a comprehensive suite of pediatric services in Joliet, including autism diagnostic evaluations, feeding therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy, and counseling for adolescents and caregivers. With us, families get holistic therapy solutions under one roof, led by seasoned pediatric professionals.
Does my child need a medical diagnosis to start therapy?

For services like occupational, feeding, or speech therapy, an initial diagnosis isn’t required, but it can reveal specific concerns. That said, for ABA therapy programs, a thorough medical diagnosis for autism is typically required for insurance verifications. Our team can help you navigate these steps hassle-free.
What age range does Westside’s Joliet clinic support?

Our Joliet clinic mainly serves children from infancy through age 18. However, for specialized pathways such as ABA therapy, we recommend starting at age 3. Moreover, we support counseling needs for individuals over 18, including adults who are caregivers or family members seeking therapy.
How can speech therapy help my child?

Speech therapy doesn’t simply help with “talking.” It enhances your child’s ability to articulate (make sounds accurately), express language (say words together), be receptive to language (understand what others are saying), and work through their dysfluency (stuttering). Together, these allow them to flourish in social settings and find their voice sooner.
What is feeding therapy, and who can benefit from it?

Feeding therapy is a targeted approach primarily aimed at “problem feeders,” picky eaters, and children with medically diagnosed feeding difficulties. Feeding therapy uses various factors, such as posture, motor skills, and nutrition, to evaluate challenges and help children overcome them.
How long are therapy sessions typically scheduled?

Session schedules typically depend on the kind of therapy your child needs, their unique challenges, and overall therapy goals. Most therapy sessions last an hour, but in some cases they can run longer. For instance, ABA therapy sessions tend to be more intensive and often last longer than an hour, depending on how your child interacts and the concerns they display.